Services

Firefighters strike in pensions row

Firefighters have launched a series of fresh strikes over a long-running dispute with the Government over pensions, with further walkouts planned over the weekend.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in England and Wales walked out for five hours from noon today, and will strike again between 2pm tomorrow and 2am on Sunday, and between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, forcing fire authorities to make alternative arrangements for fire cover.

The Government denied union claims that ministers had drawn up alternative proposals six weeks ago, but had been "sitting" on them ever since.

Firefighters mounted picket lines across the country, including Weymouth, where the local fire station was visited by the Earl and Countess of Wessex despite the industrial action.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We're astonished that the Government would allow strikes to continue when for over a month they have been sitting on proposals that might point the way towards a solution. The ball is once again firmly in their court.

"Nevertheless firefighters simply want a workable pension scheme and an end to this dispute, and the existence of such proposals gives us hope that an end might be in sight.

"These strikes have only resumed because of a complete absence of proposals from Government. Rather than speculate on the motivations for their behaviour, now that we know costed proposals exist, we call on the minister to send us proposals without any further delay."

The union said firefighters are having to pay higher pension contributions, face working into their late 50s before retiring and could be sacked because their fitness declines as they get older.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said of the FBU claims on alternative proposals: "These allegations are untrue. The proposals were shared with the FBU on March 19 and it is wilfully misleading for Matt Wrack to say otherwise.

"The FBU are fully aware that the proposals required further discussion and consideration, which the Government was committed to before the FBU walked away from discussions by calling industrial action.

"It was the union executive's decision to call this strike that effectively ended its discussions with the Government.

"This shows the executive is not serious about finding a resolution for its members.

"The Government is clear that further change can be made through constructive engagement, but not under the shadow of industrial action, which only serves to damage firefighters' standing with the public.

"The deal on the table gives firefighters one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector, and the proposals protect the earned rights of a higher proportion of members than any other public sector scheme.

"Nearly three-quarters will see no change in their pension age in 2015.

"Under the new scheme, a firefighter who earns £29,000 will still be able to retire after a full career aged 60, get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension.

"An equivalent private pension pot would be worth over half a million pounds and require firefighters to contribute twice as much.

"This weekend public safety is our prime concern and robust contingency plans are in place to keep people protected."

Fire chiefs in London urged people to take extra care with barbecues over the weekend, as they finalised their contingency plans.

There will be 27 fire engines on standby in the capital for emergencies including house fires, road accidents and collapsed buildings.

A fire engine may not be sent to less urgent and non life-threatening incidents such as rubbish fires, animal rescues, flooding and people stuck in lifts.

A separate row broke out in Buckinghamshire, with the union accusing the fire authority of "locking out" firefighters for an entire shift even though some of the walkouts are for five hours.

FBU official Steve Allen said: "Local firefighters are extremely worried about the implications of this nonsensical and unnecessary decision."

The union warned the action risked worsening the pensions dispute.

The fire service denied that anyone was being locked out, saying the local authority had decided not to accept firefighters only working part of their shift.

So, you know who to phone if your house catches fire. I just hope for your sake that Mr Clarkson is a better firefighter than he is journalist.

[quote][p][bold]C.I.5.[/bold] wrote:
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-15997820[/p][/quote]So, you know who to phone if your house catches fire. I just hope for your sake that Mr Clarkson is a better firefighter than he is journalist.mixxer

C.I.5. wrote…

http://www.bbc.co.uk

/news/uk-15997820

So, you know who to phone if your house catches fire. I just hope for your sake that Mr Clarkson is a better firefighter than he is journalist.

Score: 0

Devils Advocate
5:11pm Fri 2 May 14

The Government denied union claims that ministers had drawn up alternative proposals six weeks ago, but had been "sitting" on them ever since.

Somewhat reminiscent of Scargill who was left with no alternative to try to protect his men.
Makes one wonder if "Where there is discord." from St Francis will also be abused by the current right-wing money grubber next! Camoron has to be her love child!

The Government denied union claims that ministers had drawn up alternative proposals six weeks ago, but had been "sitting" on them ever since.
Somewhat reminiscent of Scargill who was left with no alternative to try to protect his men.
Makes one wonder if "Where there is discord." from St Francis will also be abused by the current right-wing money grubber next! Camoron has to be her love child!Devils Advocate

The Government denied union claims that ministers had drawn up alternative proposals six weeks ago, but had been "sitting" on them ever since.

Somewhat reminiscent of Scargill who was left with no alternative to try to protect his men.
Makes one wonder if "Where there is discord." from St Francis will also be abused by the current right-wing money grubber next! Camoron has to be her love child!

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